Artistas in the Capital

Metal to Melody: Stephanie Mercedes' Artistic Response to Gun Violence

In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Mercedes [https://www.stephaniemercedes.com/], a talented queer Latinx artist based in Washington D.C. Mercedes is an interdisciplinary artist who explores various mediums such as sound, performance, metal casting, welding, and musical composition. With a deep connection to her family history and Argentine ancestry, her performances and installations ruminate on that country’s history, particularly los desaparecidos, as well as colonization, dictatorships, and juntas prevalent throughout Latin America. Additionally, Mercedes shares her unique artistic process of transforming weapons into musical instruments and sculptures, and how she intersects art, history, and activism. Episode Credits: Host: Norma Sorto Guest: Stephanie Mercedes Episode Interviewers: Estrellita Soto Flores and Flavia Olivera Episode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta Torres Music by Blue Dot Sessions: Sour Mash - Golden Grass Cholate - Arizona Moon For updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc [https://www.instagram.com/holaculturadc/], and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com [https://holacultura.com/].

“Protection from Erasure”: A Conversation with Samuel Miranda

In this episode, we talk with D.C.-based artist, writer, and educator Samuel “Sami” Miranda [https://samimiranda.com/]. Through his visual art and poetry, Miranda showcases his Puerto Rican roots and South Bronx upbringing. We also discuss his latest book, "Protection from Erasure," a collection of poems that immortalizes the significance of everyday moments. Miranda passionately discusses his personal experiences, from his Bronx origins to the evolving D.C. arts scene, and his dedication to inspiring students through the power of art and poetry. Episode Credits: Host: Norma Sorto Guest: Samuel “Sammi” Miranda Episode Interviewers: Joycelin Salmeron, Evelyn Margarito-Casas, Kailah Floyd, Ramona Santana Episode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta Torres Music by Blue Dot Sessions: Butterstone - The Gran Dias Cholate - Arizona Moon For updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc [https://www.instagram.com/holaculturadc/], and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com [https://holacultura.com/].

Art That Speaks: Marta Pérez-García's Fight Against Women’s Violence

In this episode, we sit down with Marta Pérez-García [https://martaperezgarciaart.wixsite.com/mysite], a passionate Puerto Rican artist and art teacher based in Washington, D.C. Marta takes immense pride in her Puerto Rican identity and channels her creativity through various artistic mediums. However, her artistic journey goes beyond mere self-expression. Marta's resolve was ignited at a young age when she witnessed the heartbreaking story of a woman who fell victim to domestic violence. Instead of remaining silent, Marta knew she had to use her artistic talent to denounce such atrocities.  Episode Credits: Host: Norma Sorto Guest: Marta Pérez-García Episode Interviewers: Cristela Bonilla, Flavia Olivera, Jubilee Lucero, and Claudia Peralta Torres Episode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera  Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta Torres Music by Blue Dot Sessions: Butterstone - The Gran Dias Cholate - Arizona Moon For updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc [https://www.instagram.com/holaculturadc/], and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com [https://holacultura.com/].

Unmasking Latino Anti-Black Bias: A Conversation with Tanya Katerí Hernández

Studies reveal that darker-skinned Latinos, including Afro-Latinos, encounter discrimination from both within and outside the Latino community. This discrimination takes various forms, from unequal treatment to racial profiling. Our guest, Tanya Katerí Hernández [https://www.professortkh.com/], a professor at Fordham University School of Law, delves into the topic of Latino anti-black bias and the struggle for equality. We also discuss her book, "Racial Innocence," where she highlights the untold stories of Afro-Latinos and sheds light on enduring injustices silently faced for far too long. Episode Credits: Host: Norma Sorto Guest: Tanya Katerí Hernández Episode Interviewers: Marco Cerqueira and Shanique Lovelace Episode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editors: Norma Sorto and Claudia Peralta Torres Music by Blue Dot Sessions: Pglet - Shepman Cholate - Arizona Moon For updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc [https://www.instagram.com/holaculturadc/], and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com [https://holacultura.com/].

Art as Activism: César Maxit's Journey in Street Art and Social Justice

Originally from Argentina and now living in Washington, D.C., César Maxit [https://www.instagram.com/csrmxt/] shares his journey from studying architecture to devoting himself full-time to helping organizations express their demands for environmental and climate justice, human rights, and immigrant rights. As an artist and communication specialist, he uses visuals, sculptures, and paintings to convey powerful messages. In this episode, César shares his experiences organizing groups of artists, securing spaces for their creations, and engaging in insightful conversations with fellow artists and activists. Episode Credits: Host: Norma Sorto Guest: César Maxit Episode Interviewers: Alfonzo Alfaro, Madison E. Goldberg, Otoniel Mecinas Cruz, and Christina Van Otterloo Episode Scriptwriter: Flavia Olivera Episode Editor: Claudia Peralta Torres Music by Blue Dot Sessions: Banana Cream - Hardboil Cholate - Arizona Moon For updates on episodes and Latinx events in the D.C. area, follow us on Instagram @holaculturadc [https://www.instagram.com/holaculturadc/], and don’t forget to rate, review and subscribe to “Artistas in the Capital.” To get involved in Latinx arts, culture, and humanities in D.C., sign up to join our SPEL program and visit holacultura.com [https://holacultura.com/].